IPL 2016, Match 23, Delhi Daredevils (DD) vs Gujarat Lions(GL): Match Prediction

One can expect a cracker of a contest when Gujarat Lions take on the Delhi Daredevils at Kotla on Wednesday. Both the teams have been in tremendous form of late and they would like to go one up against each other in this big game. The Daredevils are on a high after beating the fancied Mumbai Indians the other day. The Lions come on the back of a victory against another heavyweight, the Royal Challengers Bangalore! It's very difficult to pick a favourite for this game but I would stick my neck out and go in favour of the Delhi Daredevils because of the fact that they would know the conditions much better than the Lions.

Also read: IPL 2016, DD vs GL Playing 11: Probable Squad for Suresh Raina Gujarat Lions

Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Match date: April 27, 2016

Match timings: 2000 hrs IST

If Delhi Daredevils bat first

Predicted score: 170 and above

Quinton de Kock, the swashbuckler, would love to get off to another flying start. Shreyas Iyer might still be persisted with even though his form has been quite patchy, to say the least. The middle looks strong and settled with some quality young players like Sanju Samson and Karun Nair. There is also the dependable Jean-Paul Duminy in the middle who can be trusted for giving the final thrust to the innings. This settled line-up can get any score above 170 if they play to their true potential.

The bowling has been excellent for the Daredevils. Zaheer Khan has been instrumental in holding the bowling unit and more importantly, the entire squad together. Chris Morris has bowled fast and has been brilliant at the death. The spinners, however, have impressed the most. Amit Mishra has been the most difficult bowler to score runs of and he seems to be enjoying his role of a senior statesman in the team. Imran Tahir should get a game considering the conditions at Kotla and he could prove to be a handful for the opposition.

If Gujarat Lions bat first

Predicted score: 160 and above

You can expect another whirlwind start from Brendon McCullum at the top. With Baz, Aaron Finch should open even though Dwayne Smith did a decent job at the top of the order. Suresh Raina has been consistent even though he has not yet set this IPL on fire with his breath-taking knocks. Dinesh Karthik has been amongst the runs and has kept a cool head in getting his side out of precarious situations in a couple of games.

The bowlers have done a fine job so far. They were a touch expensive in the last game when Virat got stuck into them but overall they have been pretty good. Kulkarni and Bravo would love to chip away with the wickets at the start and towards the death. Ravindra Jadeja and Pravin Tambe would love to get some economical overs in and would love to pick at least three to four wickets between them. Shadab Jakati should get a game considering the spin-friendly conditions at Kotla. This match has all the makings of a great thriller and if that happens, the crowds would surely have their money’s worth.

Probable Winners: Delhi Daredevils